Various Therapeutic Modalities to Determine the Most Proactive Treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Imagine a future where individuals battling with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can embrace a life of mobility and reduced pain through treatments tailored to their unique needs. For those who are suffering, therapeutic modalities like cryotherapy and aquatic therapy are typically painless forms of muscular and bone strengthening that can greatly increase the quality of life of distressed patients. We will dive into four different therapeutic modalities and the features that each can provide when searching for the most proactive strategies that empower patients to regain control of their health and well-being.

Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints which leads to pain, stiffness, and eventual fusion of the spinal vertebrae in severe cases. As a debilitating and progressive form of spinal arthritis, this disease has no known cure. Among 3.4 million cases in the United States, therapeutic modalities, along with a healthy diet and a non sedentary lifestyle are the best ways to overcome and continue a happy lifestyle.

Key Insights From our Research

• Based on a study from 2018, researchers determined that cryotherapy is a highly proactive treatment that targets systemic inflammation and offers immediate pain relief by utilizing extreme cold, making it particularly helpful during flare-ups. 

• A randomized study from 2016 found that therapeutic ultrasound provides localized inflammation reduction, improvement of soft tissue extensibility in the joints and muscles, and immense pain reduction. Ultrasound waves penetrate deep into tissues, enhancing blood circulation and accelerating the healing process. This helps decrease inflammation and alleviate pain caused by swelling in the vertebrae. 

• A 2014 study highlighted the benefits of aquatic therapy and Pilates as low-impact exercise modalities for individuals with ankylosing spondylitis. Both approaches were found to effectively enhance mobility and alleviate pain, offering significant improvements in physical function and overall quality of life The buoyancy of water reduces strain on joints and allows for a wider range of motion. Warm water can relax muscles, reduce stiffness, and improve circulation. Gentle resistance from water helps build strength without overloading inflamed areas.

• During 2020, a study was released that provides information that acupuncture seeks to decrease inflammation and relieve pain by stimulating targeted points in the body. Often referred to as acupoints, promotion of this method allows for the release of natural anti-inflammatory substances. This process is thought to enhance blood flow and reduce cytokine levels associated with inflammation. 

Looking Ahead

As we navigate the nature of AS, future applications by c

linicians and qualified personnel should promote the spinal health of patients by:

​

• Maintaining daily stretching and low impact exercises with exercises like aquatic therapy, Pilates and yoga​

• Promoting the use of NSAIDS, cryotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound​

• Seeking workplace adjustments with ergonomic chairs or using a standing desk to reduce immobility​
• Improving daily movement to reduce sedentation​

• Utilizing an anti-inflammation diet and supplement calcium and vitamin D ​

Live links:

To explore an overview of ankylosing spondylitis and learn more about causes and symptoms:

Click here

To see various stretches and exercise methods for AS:

Click here

James DiCarli is a senior at Westfield State University in the Sports Medicine and Human Performance department. He

 will graduate in May of 2025 with a Batchelor's degree in Movement Science and a concentration in Sports Medicine. After graduation, James plans to pursue his Doctorate degree in Chiropractic's at Parker University in Dallas, Texas. 

James can be reached at Jimmydicarli0911@gmail.com for more personal information about this topic.

References

 

Dundar, U., Solak, O., Toktas, H., Demirdal, U. S., Subasi, V., Kavuncu, V., & Evcik, D. (2014). Effect of aquatic exercise on ankylosing spondylitis: a randomized controlled trial.  

Rheumatology International, 34(11), 1505–1511. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-014-2980-8

     

Hu, J., Mao, Y., Zhang, Y., Ye, D., Wen, C., & Xie, Z. (2020, April 13). Moxibustion for the treatment of     ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Palliative Medicine.  https://apm.amegroups.org/article/view/40195/html 

 

Şilte Karamanlioğlu D;Aktas I;Ozkan FU;Kaysin M;Girgin N; (2016, February 29). Effectiveness of ultrasound treatment applied with exercise therapy on patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Rheumatology International. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26923690/

 

Straburzyńska-Lupa, A., Kasprzak, M. P., Romanowski, M. W., Kwaśniewska, A., Romanowski, W., Iskra, M., & Rutkowski, R. (2018, October 3). The effect of whole-body cryotherapy at different temperatures on proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress parameters, and disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6192087/ 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, April 17). Ankylosing spondylitis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/ankylosing-spondylitis

Wilson, J. (2016, April 17). Ankylosing Spondylitis Stretches & Exercises - Ask Doctor Jo. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz0WR3EKO1k